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all along—a yielded life—a life not controlled by addictive behaviors but by God. Certain characteristics are common among those who, like Vick, repeatedly practice addictive behaviors. These characteristics become so automatic that those who have them are often oblivious to their destructive damage.
    Those controlled by addictive habits… 28
    • Become mastered by multiple bad habits
Even though the Bible says, “‘Everything is permissible for me’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
    • Don’t obey the law or those in authority
Even though the Bible says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1).
    • Think their addictions resolve their problems and give them peace
Even though the Bible says, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river” (Isaiah 48:18).
    • Don’t keep their bodies pure or treat them with respect
Even though the Bible says, “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
    • Do not practice self-denial, self-discipline, or self-control
Even though the Bible says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12).
D. What Is a Harmful Habit Checklist?
    During the course of Michael Vick’s fall from football fame—and his reinstatement to the game—he lost many of his previous fans, but then gained many new ones. Still others remain in a wait-and-see mode, skeptical that his conversion may be one merely of convenience. Neither fans, detractors, nor skeptics, however, are nearly as important to Vick as the peace he says he has made with his Lord. “The main thing is, I don’t want to disappoint God.” 29
    Though the details of your life will differ from Michael Vick’s, like him, most of us become adept at justifying our negative habits. So proficient are we at rationalizing that undesirable habits can remain hidden—even from ourselves!
    So, consider this probing question: Is there a habit that has mastery over you? According to God’s Word, “Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
    How can you know whether you have a destructive habit or a hidden addiction controlling you?
    Desire to be accountable before God and take an honest look at your thoughts and actions. Ask yourself whether you have any habits or desires that would cause you to answer yes to the following questions:

    T HE H ARMFUL H ABIT C HECKLIST

    “Are my thoughts consumed with it?”
    “Is my time scheduled around it?”
    “Could my health be harmed by it?”
    “Does my guilt increase because of it?”
    “Are my finances affected by it?”
    “Am I defensive when asked about it?”
    “Are my relationships hurt by it?”
    “Am I upset when I can’t do it?”
    “Is my spiritual growth hindered by it?”
    “Have I been asked to stop it?”
    “Would I discourage my children from doing it?”
    “Do I hide it from others?”
    “Would Jesus avoid doing it?”
    “Does it diminish my witness for Christ?”
    Let David’s prayer be your own personal prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”
    (P SALM 139:23-24).
III. C AUSES OF D ESTRUCTIVE H ABITS
    At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Marion Jones won three gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 1600-meter relay, as well as two bronze medals in the long jump and 400-meter relay. Her strong, athletic build and speed, along with her sweet smile, charmed the world and challenged young women to pursue their Olympic dreams.
    But seven years later, those medallions of